Security Specialist, NOC, Gao, Mali

Under the overall supervision of the Chief Field Officer in Gao and guidance of the Country Security Specialist in Bamako, the local Security Specialist advise CO Management on Security issues and assist UNICEF Mali CO and staff members in implementing security measures and compliance with MOSS/MORSS.

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For 70 years, UNICEF has been working on the ground in 190 countries and territories to promote children's survival, protection and development. The world's largest provider of vaccines for developing countries, UNICEF supports child health and nutrition, good water and sanitation, quality basic education for all boys and girls, and the protection of children from violence, exploitation, and AIDS. UNICEF is funded entirely by the voluntary contributions of individuals, businesses, foundations and governments.

Purpose of the Position

The Security Specialist reports to the Chief Field Office in Gao zonal office and maintains a close working relationship with the Office of the Security Coordinator.  The Security Specialist is responsible for advising the Chief Field Office on their security duties and responsibilities in accordance with UN and UNICEF Security Management Systems.  The Security Specialist contributes to the UNICEF mandate through strong security risk analysis, advice, and relevant mitigation.  The Security Specialist manages, on behalf of the Chief Field Office, all security activities in support of the country.

The Security Specialist implements and manages security activities at the duty station in close coordination with all members of the UN Security Management System (UNSMS) including the UN Department of Safety and Security as well as NGO partners in line with the Saving Lives Together (SLT) policy.  As a member of the UN Security Cell, contributes to the development of assessments, procedures and guidelines including Security Risk Assessments (SRAs), Country Minimum Operating Security Standards (MOSS), and the country specific Security Plan.

Key Expected Results

• Security Risk Management and Planning
• Safety and Security Services
• Programmatic Security Information Analysis
• Security Networking and Partnership Building
• Innovation, knowledge management and capacity building

Key Accountabilities and Duties & Tasks

Security Risk Management and Planning

• Advise the Representative in the execution of his/her duties with regards to the safety and security of UNICEF personnel and eligible family members, premises, and in accordance with UN and UNICEF Security Management Systems.  Attend as an observer, all SMT/ASMT meetings, assist the UN Department of Safety and Security (UNDSS) as appropriate and participate as a member of the security coordination cell established by UNDSS.
• Provide advice on technical security requirements contained in the UN Security Plan, Minimum Operating Security Standards (MOSS), Residential Security Measures (RSM), and other relevant policies, guidelines, and assessments and monitor their implementation.  Provide technical oversight for contracted security providers.
• Prepare, maintain, and update UNICEF security documentation including security contingency plans and provide the Representative, and the Office of the Security Coordinator (OSC) with mandatory reports in accordance with UNICEF security reporting guidelines.  This includes the monitoring/reporting on security compliance and the submission of all Security Incident Reports (SIRs).

Safety and Security Services

• Monitor the security situation and provide independent and comprehensive security analysis with the goal of identifying trends and predicting the specific conditions that would impact on the safety and security of UNICEF personnel, eligible family members, premises assets and resources.
• Implement security activities in support of UNICEF operations and participate, coordinate and/or undertake security risk management for all locations where UNICEF personnel and eligible family members are present.
• Ensure that UNICEF personnel are kept informed of matters affecting their security and the actions to take in the event of an emergency including those identified in the UN Security Plan as it relates to UNICEF.  Ensure there is an effective and functioning communications system for security management within UNICEF that this is fully integrated into the UN Emergency Communications System.  Coordinate with UNDSS to ensure all UNICEF personnel undertake all mandatory security training/briefings and participate in all security related contingency exercises.  Conduct security surveys of international personnel residences in accordance with the Residential Security Measures (RSM).

Programmatic Security Information Analysis

• Collect information, provide specific analysis, advice, and support to programme planning and implementation.  Conduct analysis to fully understand the issues that have an impact on the delivery of UNICEF programmes particularly in areas deemed security compromised.  Work closely with the UNICEF programme and communication personnel in country to integrate all relevant analysis into the planning and implementation of all country programmes.

Security Networking and Partnership Building

• Establish contact and maintain networks with all UNSMS/NGOs security advisors and relevant local authorities as appropriate.  Ensure that security collaboration with NGOs working as UNICEF implementing partners is undertaken, in coordination with UNDSS, and using the SLT policies as a framework.

Innovation, knowledge management and capacity building

• Introduce technological innovations and approaches to security procedures and systems.
• Institutionalize and share best practices and knowledge learned.
• Organize, plan and/or implement capacity building initiatives to enhance the competencies of clients/stakeholders on security related preparedness and operations.

Qualifications of Successful Candidate

• An Advanced University Degree in a discipline related to Risk Management, International Relations, Cultural Anthropology, Conflict Analysis, Intelligence Analysis, Diplomatic Studies, Conflict and Security or Counter Terrorism. 
• Substantial relevant qualifying experience and training may be considered in lieu of the advanced university degree.
• A minimum of 5 years of progressively responsible experience in global security risk management and/or security analysis at least three years of which should be at a strategic level.  Demonstrated international security management experience and understanding of the United Nations Security Management System is desirable.
• Fluency of the local language of the duty station as well as proficiency in English.
• Knowledge of another official UN language or a local language is an asset

Competencies of Successful Candidate

Core Values

• Commitment
• Diversity and Inclusion
• Integrity

Core competencies

• Communication II
• Working with people II
• Drive for results II

Functional Competencies

• Coping with Pressure and Setbacks II
• Analyzing II
• Relating and networking II
• Formulating Strategies & Concepts II
• Creating & Innovating II 
• Persuading & Influencing II
• Applying technical expertise II

UNICEF is committed to diversity and inclusion within its workforce, and encourages qualified female and male candidates from all national, religious and ethnic backgrounds, including persons living with disabilities, to apply to become a part of our organisation.